H&M subsidiary Arket is testing blockchain tracking with VeChain

Story by

H&M group in-house brand Arket has confirmed it is testing a new product integration powered by blockchain technology developer VeChain.

In an email to Hard Fork, an Arket spokesperson said the clothing store has been running a minor blockchain implementation to trace product data in a secure manner. The H&M subsidiary did not clarify how widely it is testing the solution – or in which locations.

“Arket has done a small Proof of Concept (POC) through a pilot testing with VeChain to use blockchain technology to secure product data traceability in the value chain,” the spokesperson told Hard Fork. “The test was made on a wool beanie from the autumn 2018 collection.”

Rumors of a possible collaboration between the H&M-owned brand and VeChain first began circulating after cryptocurrency enthusiasts took to Reddit and Twitter to share videos of users trying out the blockchain-powered implementation at Arket locations in London.

In the footage, you can see the users scanning an Arket item with VeChain Pro – an app that helps customers find more detailed information about a product.